I am very late in writing this review, but I wanted to share how meaningful my experience was. I…read moreenrolled my puppy, a red standard poodle, in her classes, and very quickly realized she was exactly the kind of trainer I had been searching for. She is clearly knowledgeable and skilled, but what truly sets her apart is her holistic approach and genuine care for animals. She treats every dog as an individual and tailors her training to meet each one's specific needs. That same thoughtful approach extends to her human clients. During this time, I was dealing with significant health challenges and was not able to attend every class. She kindly offered makeup sessions, which I deeply appreciated. When she learned that my absences were due to my health, she checked in on me personally and even asked if it was okay to call me at home to see how I was doing. Her compassion meant more to me than I can easily express. She showed more care and concern than many people I have known for decades. Anyone looking for a dog trainer should go to her, not only for her expertise, but because she is genuinely kind, attentive, and deeply invested in both her clients and their dogs.

April was great! Really helped us with our new rescue! 10/10!!!! Super sweet and knowledgeable…read more.. definitely recommend!

For some background, Mamba was my first ever dog I got, who was a puppy. He was originally a rescue…read morebefore being fostered before I adopted him. He had very fearful characteristics at first, "grring" and barking at new comers in the home, aggressively barking and lunging at people on walks. I had taken him to Petco for individual sessions only for my pup to get kicked out and get recommended to a "behaviorist" for his behavior. I was looking around and found Keri, and right after the consultation session I knew she was the right fit for Mamba. Mamba has gotten much better around dogs and and other people, and not only that, now I understand his behaviors and what to do in specific situations, She not only trains the dogs, but also emphasizes training the handler (me). After the 6 sessions (I am actually only 5 sessions in) -- I can confidently take Mamba around other people in crowded areas knowing in advance how he will react. Keri is not a trainer, she is a coach and I swear also a dog whisperer. She is very flexible when scheduling and even brought me homemade cookies when my dad passed away. I would 100% recommend Unleashed Abilities and Keri for anyone who genuinely wants to train their dog.

I highly recommend Unleashed Abilities for dog training. My husband and I have always had pets but…read morenever sought expert training advice. We decided to go for it with our rescue dog Mabel and we are so happy we did! From the minute we met Keri, we knew it was going to be an excellent experience. Mabel loved her instantly and we started learning immediately, no exaggeration. Keri is fantastic at providing clear, achievable goals and things to work on between lessons. I am confident that Unleashed Abilities can make a world of difference for dogs with any training needs, big or small. Life is so fun with a happy, well-balanced dog!

When I first reached out to Tommy, I was in a pretty dark place with my 3-year-old English Bulldog…read more His behavior had taken a serious turn--aggression, constant overstimulation, and a total breakdown in how we communicated. I was heartbroken and honestly starting to feel like I'd failed him. What Tommy brought into our home was a complete shift in perspective. He didn't just train the dogs--he taught us how to create structure, set clear expectations, and restore calm. After just the first session, our house felt noticeably different. The tension was gone, the barking and toy-fighting stopped, and even our older dogs--who had been keeping their distance--seemed relieved. What really makes Tommy stand out is the continued support. He's incredibly responsive, provides real tools and a step-by-step plan, and genuinely checks in on your progress. The Lifetime Guarantee is a huge comfort--knowing we have ongoing access to help if new issues arise takes so much pressure off. We're still working through things, but the difference already feels like night and day. I can't recommend Tommy highly enough--he gave us back peace and hope.

Can't speak highly enough of Tommy Meyerhoeffer! After one in-person session, and a few follow-up…read morecheck-ins, our cute GSD mix Penny is so much calmer and actually listens to me for a change! Penny lived on the streets for a bit before we adopted her - she is very sweet and affectionate but also very stubborn, and a scavenger on walks, grabbing any bit of food off the sidewalk and lunging at squirrels. She also hated our living room television and would act up in the weirdest ways when it was on -- jumping up on counters and the nightstands in our bedroom, knocking lamps and anything else in the way of her 83-pound body to the ground. Tommy taught us how to address these disruptive behaviors with patience and kindness (trust me, yelling does not work!). We practice every day, and our lovely girl has evolved into a happier, sweeter pup and the chaos at home and on walks has virtually stopped. Tommy's love for all animals is undeniable which makes working with him all the more special. You know he truly cares and wants the best for your dog and for you! I highly recommend Tommy to anyone who wants to address behavioral issues with their dog.

Kevin can teach you how to train your dog to be the perfect companion. We took Dog Obedience 1…read more(offered through Arlington County Parks & Recreation) when we adopted our first dog 10 years ago. Many adopted dogs later, we realized that we had gotten a little lazy. We took the same class this Fall with our two newly adopted dogs and we learned a lot and were able to teach basic commands and modify behavior in our 2 rescues. Kevin can help you with barking and other behaviors that you would like to change in your dog. He watches and corrects you if you are ding something not quite right to improve your dog training skills. Right away he read that both our dogs watch me, so wee need to be together in small group work and he'll watch and follow and let you know when you need to do X. We had a great experience and our dogs are so much better behaved.

My dog has done well so far, I saw a difference in walking on the leash after the first class. Good…read moretrainer, very helpful and willing to help with any issues or dog behaviors.

Brandi & Perry were amazing! Highly recommend working with them…read more We adopted a one year old mixed breed, Tuck, a few months ago. He's very sweet but started to get rambunctious to the point that my remote work felt challenging. He also started jumping or freezing when he saw other dogs on walks, and he occasionally barked or growled and men. We weren't sure if it was the start of aggressive behavior or just the result of a shelter dog that hasn't been exposed. After doing our research, we decided to do the 3 week behavior modification board and train program. We were really impressed from beginning to end. They shared a ton of information upfront, walked us through their facility (we opted to drop him off) and sent pictures and updates every evening. It became clear right away that they both have a very deep understanding of dogs, as well as a real respect and love for them. Tuck loved them! The best part was the "transition" day when Perry brought Tuck back and spent the day teaching us everything they've worked on together. We are first time dog owners so generally going in pretty blind. Perry gave us a 101 on dogs and the importance of clear and consistent communication. He talked through all of the layers of training and how/why it is effective. We felt this part was SO helpful for us to understand how to be better owners. Then we walked Tuck around the neighborhood with Perry guiding us and then spent time addressing indoor behaviors too. He was flexible and stayed until we felt comfortable with everything. This is a long review so the TLDR: finding a trainer is a big decision and investment so we wanted to get it right. Brandi & Perry were really incredible and beyond our expectations!! Truly worth every penny! Tuck has been doing really great at home and outside since being home. I've been able to work full days with him holding "place" on his cot, which would have been unheard of before!

We couldn't be more thrilled with our experience at Ridgeside K9 in Winchester, VA! We signed up…read moreour Labradoodle, Theo, with Ridgeside K9 with high hopes that they could get us back on track, and Kenny and Sarah Foster absolutely delivered beyond our expectations. From the very first interaction, Kenny and Sarah were professional, warm, and genuinely passionate about what they do. They took the time to understand the pain points that we were experiencing with our new puppy, Theo's personality and tailored their approach to fit him perfectly. I was overseas on vacation, but they shared the progress and transformation pictures and updates every day. Theo is more confident, focused, and responsive than ever. What really impressed me with Ridgeside K9 apart is the care and dedication that Kenny and Sarah brought to the 3-week transformation and the dedicated work with him. It was easy to tell this isn't just a job for them -- they truly love working with dogs and it shows in the results. Theo came home happy, well-behaved, and I could tell during the 2 hour turnover session that Theo had clearly bonded with his trainers. If you're in the Winchester and surrounding area and looking for exceptional dog training, look no further than Ridgeside K9. Ask for Kenny and Sarah -- you and your pup won't be disappointed!

This was just the experience I want for my dog…read more James is awesome. He's so attentive to what you need or want from your dog. My dog, Koa is a year old Belgian Malinois but unfortunately was not trained. She was rehomed to me. I desperately needed obedience training. James shared pictures and videos with me of the whole journey since I lived 3 1/2 hours away. I had no reservations about leaving her with him. I doubt she wanted to leave him to come home! This will probably not be the only training she will get from James. He's very open to this being a great experience for you and your dog. I highly recommend him for any training you need for your dog.

My husband and I can't say enough good things about Controlled K9! We recently adopted a two year…read moreold German Shepherd who was well behaved in the house but a true terror to walk on leash (pulling and severe reactivity towards other dogs). Controlled K9 came to our home to evaluate her and recommended a four week board and train to work on basic obedience, leash manners, and off leash recall. We loved that she was taken in as a member of the family during her "boarding school," and they provided regular photos and updates on her progress throughout. She returned to us her same happy, sweet self in the house, but basically a new dog on leash! The Controlled K9 team trained us on how to continue her training, and remained super responsive to our follow up questions. It's incredible to see the transformation and we're so grateful to the Controlled K9 team for changing our lives - and Zoey's - for the better!

I am so grateful for Amy's help with my dogs. She came up with amazing solutions for them. One of…read moremy dogs has anxiety and pottying outside issues, older dog. She came up with unique solutions just perfectly designed for her and her needs. Within hours and days she showed so much improvement and happiness. Anxiety resolving. My other dog had issues with a new dog door and getting into garbage. Again she used unique solutions just for her and now she goes through the door no problem and is has calmed down getting into the trash do to new eating habits and feeling enriched. I strongly suggest hiring Amy, she will help u find real solutions in helping your furry family members. Liberty in Denver,co

Amy completely changed our home life for the better. It was a total 180. When we came to her we…read morewere at our wits' end with our cat Colonel Brandon. He was constantly meowing and begging and jumping on counters and stealing food and we had no clue how to relate to him anymore or how to redirect or change his behavior. Amy was so patient and kind with us and gave us TONS of new ways to address these issues. She basically taught us an entirely new way to relate to Colonel Brandon. We had been very passive cat owners and now have a great routine that has made him and us a lot happier! Thank you Amy!!!!

BEST INVESTMENT you'll choose for your Dog-Mandy is AMAZING!…read moreI have worked with my dog from the moment I brought her home at 8 weeks old. She came from a well tempered background and has had positive experiences and multiple training sessions, she was doing great on commands but needed tweaking and was missing confidence that had a fear attachment I could not change on my own. I reached out to OFF Leash/Nova and after reading lots of reviews, I thought Mandy was a perfect fit for her. I was nervous about enrolling in a board and train. The moment we met Mandy, I knew she was the perfect match! Her knowledge and demeanor on dog training and especially when it came to my breed was remarkable. We couldn't be any more happier with the results of her board and train experience!! Mandy checked in with videos, messages every night! I was so relaxed after the second day! We now have a completely different dog! She's calm, confident and so easy to walk and enjoy out and about! Don't look any further and choose Mandy! Her passion in helping dogs and training us humans to have a better life with them is impeccable! Mandy also has checked in with us multiple times even after we completed her board and train! Truly the best money you will spend on your fur baby! Thank you Mandy!!

I would not recommend this company. I sent my dog there for two weeks and she did not learn…read morecommands. Now I need to still have her trained because she's not following commands so I would think about another company before going to this one.

I adopted my approximately 6 year old Lab mix ("Fletch") in early November 2021 and he soon began…read moredisplaying some behaviors that concerned me. I knew that he was really smart and sweet but didn't understand the root of the behaviors and where to begin with training. I was impressed with the many positive reviews of Jeanie with Bark Busters VA Beltway and after an introductory call with her I knew she was the right fit for Fletch and me. Fletch responded to the techniques and exercises shown to me by Jeanie immediately and by the end of the first session he was like a different dog. He was listening and respecting me in a way that he had not previously. Jeanie gave me several exercises to practice with Fletch in between our first and second session and he has continued to make progress every day. Subsequent sessions have built out further training goals such as loose leash walking, ignoring other dogs/critters/people while out on a walk, and being respectful and calm when guests are over my house. Her positive approach to training, experience in working with a range of different behaviors, and clear love for the dogs she works with has really made a difference for Fletch and me. Highly recommended!!

I am amazed at the level of success my dogs achieved after one session with Mark. The techniques…read moreare based on tone and posture as opposed to harsh techniques or treats. Mark simply breaks down the behavior and how to speak dog so your pup understands what you want from him. It's amazing how responsive dogs are when they have clear direction from the pack leader. I highly recommend Bark Busters. They guarantee their training for the life of the pet. You've got nothing to lose and a lifetime of joy with a well behaved dog to gain.

Had our first "puppy class" last tuesday led by Gwen and Charlie the tzu and I learned some new…read moretricks, got to play with the other pups and enjoyed ourselves. Training is based on positive reinforcement with treats which at 8 pounds, I'm trying to watch his figure but will probably prepare his dinner and use it for next class per trainer's recommendation. Hey boys gotta eat! Soon as you are confident, you can ween off the treats and use play and praise. Gwen even used Charlie to "demonstrate" which I laughed because good luck with my OCD puppy but low and behold, Gwen is the Dog Whisperer. Okay, I shut up now and whatever you say, I will do. First class covered simple sit, lay down, down, leave it, potty training techniques and homework to try with your pup. I learned a bit and it's up to me to practice with my puppy but I am really excited about it. Gwen even gave us her contact and is open to questions and topics inside and outside of the classroom so that's a big plus! She really cares and wants pups to succeed so be sure to "reward the behaviors you like!" Even though we attended our first class, I look forward to the next classes coming up!

I just completed four one-hour private lessons with Lisa at Kissable Canine and am very happy with…read morethe results! Lisa was so great with my 6 month old beagle and was professional, a great teacher, and such a nice person! We had gone through the basic puppy training at Petsmart (6 weeks of one hour group sessions) and that had helped with basics like sit and stay but we had problems walking him on the leash and getting him to be more obedient. The four session package was $320 and so worth it! Lisa starts out by discussing your expectations and makes sure there's no expectation gap. I told her that our big goal was to get him to walk better on a leash because he either dragged behind or ran ahead, stopped to sniff forever and it would take 5 times as long to get wherever we needed to go. Over the course of the four sessions (spread out over 2 months, per my request) my little guy has gotten very good at down, stay, staying in his bed (Lisa said this was good because if the pup is trained to stay on the bed, then you can take the pup to hang out at a coffee shop or restaurant outside); he got over a stair phobia, we're working on recalls ("come" command, even from a distance), and she gave us advice about how to walk him (apparently tugging on his Easy Walk harness is ok...he is much improved now). I highly recommend the one on one training because you can train your dog in home, outdooor, and dog park (or places with other distractions) environments. Lisa is a great teacher and gave us fundamental skills to keep training the pup. The homework is targetted at your dog's specific needs. Well worth the $320.